10 March 2014

A Week in Review: March 10 Edition

The closing remarks in Steve McQueen's Oscar acceptance speech drew attention to the global problem of modern day slavery.Containing global violence costs nearly $10 trillion a yearA Institute for Economics and Peace study estimates that the world spent $9.46 trillion to contain violence, in 2012. I spoke with Michelle Breslauer, the Americas Program Manager, about it.

South African nations off pace for MDGs on water and sanitationOnly two countries in Southern Africa are likely to achieve improved access to safe water and improved sanitation, by the 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The more than 100 million people without safe water and the 174 million without proper sanitation face serious health risks, due to the problem.

Some good points refuting Michaela Wrong's defense of western journalism in Africa.

Cartoons!

Silly rabbit, gold is for kids.

I think Bitcoin is fine,” [Stephen Colbert] said. “After all, I don’t understand gold. Gold never loses its value because it’s shiny? When the apocalypse comes I’m not going to be investing in Bitcoin or gold. I’ll invest in sheep, potable water, and tradable women.